Areca palm care

Dypsis lutescens needs bright light with no direct sun. Check the soil before you water.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

Care at a glance

Botanical name: Dypsis lutescens
Other names: Butterfly palm, Golden cane palm
Light: Bright light, no direct sun. Put it near a bright window with filtered light. Strong direct sun makes the fronds yellow.
Soil check: Every 5 to 8 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
Humidity: Medium humidity
Feeding: Feed once a month in spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.

How does the soil feel 2 to 3 cm below the top?

Push a finger 2 to 3 cm into the soil. Feel if it is dry, damp or wet.

Dry: no soil sticks to your finger. Water the plant.
Damp: a little soil sticks to your finger. It feels cool. Do not water yet.
Wet: soil sticks to your finger and feels soggy, or you see water. Do not water. Check the drainage.

Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.

Use a light, well-draining potting soil. Add some perlite or sand.

Brown tips come from dry air or salts in the water. Use rainwater and keep the plant away from heaters.
Yellow fronds mean too much sun or too much water. Check the light and the soil.
Cut only brown fronds. Do not cut the green growing tips.

Not toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.